Gene and protein expression profiles associated with the therapeutic efficacy of irinotecan

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes gene and protein expression profiles indicative of whether a cancer patient is likely to respond to treatment with irinotecan. By identifying such responsiveness, a treatment provider may determine in advance those patients who would benefit from such treatment, as well as identify alternative therapies for non-responders. The present invention further provide methods of using the gene and/or protein expression profiles and assays for identifying the presence of a gene and/or protein expression profile in a patient sample.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/903,470, filed Sep. 21, 2007, which in turn claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. provisional Application Ser. No. 60/846,298 filed Sep. 21, 2006 and Application Ser. No. 60/906,438 filed Mar. 12, 2007, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Patients diagnosed with cancer are faced with costly and often painful treatment options. These treatments may be ineffective in a subpopulation of patients, and as a result, these patients endure these treatments without little or no therapeutic benefit. Some patients may react adversely to certain agents causing additional suffering and possibly death.

Ineffective treatment also is problematic because time is a key variable when treating cancer. A treatment provider has a far greater chance of containing and managing the disease if the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage and treated with a therapeutically effective agent. An agent may provide great therapeutic benefits if administered at an early stage of the disease; however, with the passage of time, the same agent may cease to be effective.

Colorectal cancer is an example of a condition where early diagnosis is key for effective treatment. Colorectal cancer is cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum. The walls of the colon and rectum have several layers of tissue. Colorectal cancer often starts in the innermost layer and can grow through some or all of the other layers; the stage (extent of spread) of a colorectal cancer depends to a great degree on how deeply it has grown into these layers.

Chemotherapy is often used for treating colorectal cancer. Irinotecan hydrochloride (CAMPTOSAR®) is a chemotherapeutic agent indicated for first-line therapy of colorectal cancers. As with many chemotherapeutic agents, administration of irinotecan hydrochloride (“irinotecan”) often causes deleterious side effects for the patient, and some patients do not respond well to the treatment. Some patients thus undergo treatment with irinotecan and suffer the painful side effects only to later realize that the agent has not been therapeutically beneficial to their condition. In addition to the unnecessary suffering, critical time is lost in determining an alternative treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides gene and protein expression profiles and methods of using them to identify those patients who are likely to respond to treatment with irinotecan (these patients are referred to as “responders”), as well as those patients who are not likely to benefit from such treatment (these patients are referred to as “non-responders”). The present invention allows a treatment provider to identify those patients who are responders to irinotecan treatment, and those who are not non-responders to such treatment, prior to administration of the agent.

In one aspect, the present invention comprises gene expression profiles, also referred to as “gene signatures,” that are indicative of a cancer patient's tendency to respond to treatment with irinotecan. The gene expression profile (GEP) comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality, of genes selected from the group consisting of ERBB2, GRB7, Erk1 kinase, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, MK167, STK6, MRP14, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1 and GSTM1. The gene signature may further include reference or control genes. The currently preferred reference genes are ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TFRC. According to the invention, some or all of theses genes are differentially expressed (e.g., up-regulated or down-regulated) in patients who are responders to irinotecan therapy. Specifically, ERBB2, GRB7, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68 and BAG1 are up-regulated (over-expressed) and Erk1 kinase, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1 are down-regulated (under-expressed) in patients who are responders to irinotecan. Reference genes ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TFRC are up-regulated (over-expressed).

The present invention further comprises protein expression profiles that are indicative of a cancer patient's tendency to respond to treatment with irinotecan. The protein expression profiles comprise those proteins encoded by the genes of the GEP that also are differentially expressed in colon cancers that are responsive to irinotecan therapy. The present protein expression profile (PEP) comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality, of proteins encoded by the genes selected from the group consisting of ERBB2, GRB7, Erk1 kinase, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, MK167, STK6, MRP14, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1 and GSTM1. The protein expression profile may further include proteins encoded by reference genes. The currently preferred reference genes are ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TFRC. According to the invention, some or all of theses proteins are differentially expressed (e.g., up-regulated or down-regulated) in patients who are responders to irinotecan therapy. Specifically, proteins encoded by the following genes are up-regulated (over-expressed): ERBB2, GRB7, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68 and BAG1; and proteins encoded by the following genes are down-regulated (under expressed): Erk1 kinase, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1, in patients who are responders to irinotecan. Reference proteins ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TFRC are up-regulated (over-expressed).

The gene and protein expression profiles of the present invention (referred to hereinafter as GPEPs) comprise a group of genes and proteins that are differentially expressed (e.g., up-regulated or down-regulated) in patients who are responders to irinotecan therapy relative to expression of the same genes in patients who are non-responders to this therapy. Patients having tumors that are non-responsive to irinotecan often experience recurrence of their disease or disease-related death. The GPEPs of the present invention thus can be used to predict not only responsiveness of a colon cancer to irinotecan therapy, but also the likelihood of recurrence of the cancer and/or disease-related death.

The present invention further comprises a method of determining if a patient is a responder or non-responder to treatment with irinotecan. The method comprises obtaining a tumor sample from the patient, determining the gene and/or protein expression profile of the sample, and determining from the gene or protein expression profile whether at least one, preferably at least 4, more preferably at least 10, and most preferably at least 16 of the genes selected from the group consisting of ERBB2, GRB7, Erk 1 kinase, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, MK167, STK6, MRP14, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1 and GSTM1, or at least one protein selected from the proteins encoded by these genes, is differentially expressed in the sample. From this information, the treatment provider can ascertain whether the patient is likely to benefit from irinotecan therapy. The present method also can be used to predict late recurrence and disease related death associated with the therapy.

The present invention further comprises assays for determining the gene and/or protein expression profile in a patient's sample, and instructions for using the assay. The assay may be based on detection of nucleic acids (e.g., using nucleic acid probes specific for the nucleic acids of interest) or proteins or peptides (e.g., using antibodies specific for the proteins/peptides of interest). In a currently preferred embodiment, the assay comprises an immunohistochemistry (IHC) test in which tissue samples, preferably arrayed in a tissue microarray (TMA), and are contacted with antibodies specific for the proteins/peptides identified in the GPEP as being indicative of a patient's responsiveness to irinotecan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the survival rates for patients treated with irinotecan HCl correlated with the present gene expression profile predicting responsiveness to irinotecan therapy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides gene and protein expression profiles and their use for predicting a patient's responsiveness to a cancer treatment. More specifically, the present GPEPs are indicative of whether a patient is a responder or a non-responder to treatment with irinotecan. Those patients identified as responders using the present GPEP are likely to benefit from irinotecan therapy, whereas those patients identified as non-responders may avoid unnecessary treatment with irinotecan and consider other treatment options in a timely manner. The present GPEPs also can be used to predict the likelihood of recurrence of colon cancer and disease related death associated with irinotecan therapy in some patients.

Irinotecan is a chemotherapeutic agent which belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics. It is indicated as first-line therapy for treating cancers of the colon or rectum. Irinotecan interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Because the growth of normal cells may also be affected by the medicine, other effects also may occur. These other effects may include: increased sweating and production of saliva, diarrhea, nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting, loss of appetite, lowered resistance to infection, bruising or bleeding, anemia, hair loss, tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. The present invention enables the treatment provider to determine in advance those patients likely to benefit from irinotecan treatment, and to consider alternative treatment options for non-responders. It is understood that treatment with irinotecan includes administering irinotecan alone and in combination with other therapeutic agents or adjuvants. The current indications for CAMPTOSAR® include administering irinotecan HCl in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV) as first-line therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer, and alone as a second-line therapy for patients whose disease has returned or progressed following initial 5-FU therapy.

The genes comprising the present GEP include: ERBB2, GRB7, Erk1 kinase, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, MK167, STK6, MRP14, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1 and GSTM1. In a preferred embodiment, the present gene expression profile further includes the following reference genes: ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TFRC. The NCBI Accession Number of a variant of each of these genes is set forth in Table 1; other variants exist which can be readily ascertained by reference to an appropriate database such as NCBI Entrez, and these variants are encompassed by the present invention. These genes are either up- or down-regulated in patients that are responsive to irinotecan therapy, and not in in patients that experience late recurrence of their disease or disease related death associated with the therapy. Accordingly, it is possible to determine in advance if a patient is likely to benefit from irinotecan therapy by obtaining a gene expression profile from the patient's tissue, and determining whether one or more of the genes in the present GEP is up- or down-regulated. Table 1 identifies the genes and indicates whether these genes are up- or down-regulated in patients that are responders to irinotecan therapy.

TABLE 1 UP- or DOWN- GENE NAME ALT GENE NAME REGULATION NCBI ACCESSION NO. SEQ ID NO. HER2 Amplicon ERBB2 HER2 Up NM_004448 1 GRB7 Up NM_005310 2 ER Expression Cluster Erk1 kinase Down X60188 3 JNK1 kinase Up NM_002750 4 BCL2 Up NM_000633 5 GSK-3-beta Down NM_002093 6 Invasion Group MMP11 STMY3; stromolysin 3 Down NM_005940 7 CTSL2 cathepsin L2 Down NM_001333 8 Proliferation Cluster CCNB1 cyclin B1 Down NM_031966 9 BIRC5 SURV; survivin Down NM_001168 10 MKI67 Ki-67 antigen Up NM_002417 11 STK6 STK15; BTAK Down NM_003600 12 Akt (Ser473) Up NM_005163 13 Other Genes CD68 Up NM_001251 14 BAG1 Up NM_004323 15 GSTM1 glutathione-s-transferase Down NM_146421 16 M1 MRP14 S100 calcium binding Down NM_002965 17 protein A9 Reference Genes ACTB β-Actin Up NM_001101 18 GAPD GAPDH Up NM_002046 19 GUSB GUS Up NM_000181 20 RPLP0 Up NM_001002 21 TFRC Up NM_003234 22

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the gene profile of the present invention comprises at least four, preferably between four and ten, more preferably at least ten, and most preferably at least sixteen, of the genes in the present GEP, up- or down-regulated as applicable, together with one or more reference genes.

The gene expression profiles of the invention can be used to predict the responsiveness of a colon cancer patient to irinotecan therapy. In one aspect, the present method comprises (a) obtaining a gene expression profile from a biological sample of a patient afflicted with colon cancer; (b) determining from the gene expression profile whether one or more of the following genes are up-regulated (over-expressed): ERBB2, GRB7, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68 and BAG1; and/or whether at least one of the following genes are down-regulated (under-expressed): Erk1 kinase, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1. Preferably, expression of at least two reference genes also is measured. The predictive value of the gene profile for determining response to irinotecan increases with the number of these genes that are found to be up- or down-regulated in accordance with the invention. Preferably, at least about four, more preferably at least about ten and most preferably at least about sixteen of the genes in the present GPEP are differentially expressed.

The present invention further comprises protein expression profiles that are indicative of a cancer patient's tendency to respond to treatment with irinotecan. The protein expression profile comprises at least one, preferably a plurality, of proteins encoded by the genes selected from the group consisting of ERBB2, GRB7, Erk1 kinase, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, MK167, STK6, MRP14, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1 and GSTM1. According to the invention, some or all of theses proteins are differentially expressed (e.g., up-regulated or down-regulated) in patients who are responders to irinotecan therapy. Specifically, the proteins encoded by the following genes are up-regulated (over-expressed): ERBB2, GRB7, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68 and BAG1 and the proteins encoded by the following genes are down-regulated (under expressed): Erk1 kinase, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1, in patients who are responders to irinotecan. The following reference genes may be included: ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TFRC.

Table 2 lists the genes in the present GPEP and a variant of a protein encoded thereby. Table 2 also indicates whether expression of the protein is up- or down-regulated in patients responsive to irinotecan therapy. Table 2 includes the NCBI Accession No. of a variant of each protein; other variants of these proteins exist, which can be readily ascertained by reference to an appropriate database such as NCBI Entrez. Alternate names for the proteins listed in Table 2 also can be determined from the NCBI site.

TABLE 2 UP- OR DOWN- REGULATION NCBI Accession SEQ ID NO. GENE NAME PROTEIN NAME(S) of PROTEIN No. of Protein of Protein ERBB2 ErbB-2; HER-2 Up NP_004439 23 GRB7 GRB7; growth factor Up NP_005301 24 receptor-bound protein 7 Erk1 kinase Erk1 kinase; mitogen Down P 27361 25 activated protein kinase 3 JNK1 kinase JNK1 Kinase Up NP_002741 26 BCL2 Bcl-2; B-cell lymphoma Up NP_000624 27 protein 2 GSK-3-beta Phospho-GSK-3 beta; Down NP_002084 28 glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta MMP11 STMY3; stromolysin 3; Down NP_005931 29 matrix metalloproteinase 11 CTSL2 cathepsin L2 Down NP_001324 30 CCNB1 cyclin B1 Down NP_114172 31 BIRC5 BIRC5; survivin Down NP_001159 32 MKI67 Ki-67 antigen Up NP_002408 33 STK6 STK15; BTAK; aurora-A Down NP_003591 34 Akt Phospho-akt; v-akt Up NP_005154 35 murine thyoma viral oncogene; RAC protein kinase alpha CD68 CD68 antigen; macrosialin Up NP_001242 36 BAG1 Bcl-2 associated athanogene Up NP_004314 37 GSTM1 glutathione-s-transferase M1 Down NP_666533 38 ACTB β-Actin Up NP_001092 39 GAPD GAPD Up NP_002037 40 GUSB GUS; gluuronidase beta Up NP_000172 41 RPLP0 Ribosomal protein P0 Up NP_000993 42 TFRC Transferrin receptor Up NP_003225 43 MRP14 S100 calcium binding Down NP_002956 44 protein A9

DEFINITIONS

For convenience, the meaning of certain terms and phrases employed in the specification, examples, and appended claims are provided below. The definitions are not meant to be limiting in nature and serve to provide a clearer understanding of certain aspects of the present invention.

The term “genome” is intended to include the entire DNA complement of an organism, including the nuclear DNA component, chromosomal or extrachromosomal DNA, as well as the cytoplasmic domain (e.g., mitochondrial DNA).

The term “gene” refers to a nucleic acid sequence that comprises control and coding sequences necessary for producing a polypeptide or precursor. The polypeptide may be encoded by a full length coding sequence or by any portion of the coding sequence. The gene may be derived in whole or in part from any source known to the art, including a plant, a fungus, an animal, a bacterial genome or episome, eukaryotic, nuclear or plasmid DNA, cDNA, viral DNA, or chemically synthesized DNA. A gene may contain one or more modifications in either the coding or the untranslated regions that could affect the biological activity or the chemical structure of the expression product, the rate of expression, or the manner of expression control. Such modifications include, but are not limited to, mutations, insertions, deletions, and substitutions of one or more nucleotides. The gene may constitute an uninterrupted coding sequence or it may include one or more introns, bound by the appropriate splice junctions. The Term “gene” as used herein includes variants of the genes identified in Table 1.

The term “gene expression” refers to the process by which a nucleic acid sequence undergoes successful transcription and translation such that detectable levels of the nucleotide sequence are expressed.

The terms “gene expression profile” or “gene signature” refer to a group of genes expressed by a particular cell or tissue type wherein presence of the genes taken together or the differential expression of such genes, is indicative/predictive of a certain condition.

The term “nucleic acid” as used herein, refers to a molecule comprised of one or more nucleotides, i.e., ribonucleotides, deoxyribonucleotides, or both. The term includes monomers and polymers of ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides, with the ribonucleotides and/or deoxyribonucleotides being bound together, in the case of the polymers, via 5′ to 3′ linkages. The ribonucleotide and deoxyribonucleotide polymers may be single or double-stranded. However, linkages may include any of the linkages known in the art including, for example, nucleic acids comprising 5′ to 3′ linkages. The nucleotides may be naturally occurring or may be synthetically produced analogs that are capable of forming base-pair relationships with naturally occurring base pairs. Examples of non-naturally occurring bases that are capable of forming base-pairing relationships include, but are not limited to, aza and deaza pyrimidine analogs, aza and deaza purine analogs, and other heterocyclic base analogs, wherein one or more of the carbon and nitrogen atoms of the pyrimidine rings have been substituted by heteroatoms, e.g., oxygen, sulfur, selenium, phosphorus, and the like. Furthermore, the term “nucleic acid sequences” contemplates the complementary sequence and specifically includes any nucleic acid sequence that is substantially homologous to the both the nucleic acid sequence and its complement.

The terms “array” and “microarray” refer to the type of genes or proteins represented on an array by oligonucleotides or protein-capture agents, and where the type of genes or proteins represented on the array is dependent on the intended purpose of the array (e.g., to monitor expression of human genes or proteins). The oligonucleotides or protein-capture agents on a given array may correspond to the same type, category, or group of genes or proteins. Genes or proteins may be considered to be of the same type if they share some common characteristics such as species of origin (e.g., human, mouse, rat); disease state (e.g., cancer); functions (e.g., protein kinases, tumor suppressors); same biological process (e.g., apoptosis, signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, proliferation, differentiation). For example, one array type may be a “cancer array” in which each of the array oligonucleotides or protein-capture agents correspond to a gene or protein associated with a cancer. An “epithelial array” may be an array of oligonucleotides or protein-capture agents corresponding to unique epithelial genes or proteins. Similarly, a “cell cycle array” may be an array type in which the oligonucleotides or protein-capture agents correspond to unique genes or proteins associated with the cell cycle.

The term “cell type” refers to a cell from a given source (e.g., a tissue, organ) or a cell in a given state of differentiation, or a cell associated with a given pathology or genetic makeup.

The term “activation” as used herein refers to any alteration of a signaling pathway or biological response including, for example, increases above basal levels, restoration to basal levels from an inhibited state, and stimulation of the pathway above basal levels.

The term “differential expression” refers to both quantitative as well as qualitative differences in the temporal and tissue expression patterns of a gene or a protein in diseased tissues or cells versus normal adjacent tissue. For example, a differentially expressed gene may have its expression activated or completely inactivated in normal versus disease conditions, or may be up-regulated (over-expressed) or down-regulated (under-expressed) in a disease condition versus a normal condition. Such a qualitatively regulated gene may exhibit an expression pattern within a given tissue or cell type that is detectable in either control or disease conditions, but is not detectable in both. Stated another way, a gene or protein is differentially expressed when expression of the gene or protein occurs at a higher or lower level in the diseased tissues or cells of a patient relative to the level of its expression in the normal (disease-free) tissues or cells of the patient and/or control tissues or cells.

The term “detectable” refers to an RNA expression pattern which is detectable via the standard techniques of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcriptase-(RT) PCR, differential display, and Northern analyses, which are well known to those of skill in the art. Similarly, protein expression patterns may be “detected” via standard techniques such as Western blots.

The term “complementary” refers to the topological compatibility or matching together of the interacting surfaces of a probe molecule and its target. The target and its probe can be described as complementary, and furthermore, the contact surface characteristics are complementary to each other. Hybridization or base pairing between nucleotides or nucleic acids, such as, for example, between the two strands of a double-stranded DNA molecule or between an oligonucleotide probe and a target are complementary.

The term “biological sample” refers to a sample obtained from an organism (e.g., a human patient) or from components (e.g., cells) of an organism. The sample may be of any biological tissue or fluid. The sample may be a “clinical sample” which is a sample derived from a patient. Such samples include, but are not limited to, sputum, blood, blood cells (e.g., white cells), amniotic fluid, plasma, semen, bone marrow, and tissue or fine needle biopsy samples, urine, peritoneal fluid, and pleural fluid, or cells therefrom. Biological samples may also include sections of tissues such as frozen sections taken for histological purposes. A biological sample may also be referred to as a “patient sample.”

A “protein” means a polymer of amino acid residues linked together by peptide bonds. The term, as used herein, refers to proteins, polypeptides, and peptides of any size, structure, or function. Typically, however, a protein will be at least six amino acids long. If the protein is a short peptide, it will be at least about 10 amino acid residues long. A protein may be naturally occurring, recombinant, or synthetic, or any combination of these. A protein may also comprise a fragment of a naturally occurring protein or peptide. A protein may be a single molecule or may be a multi-molecular complex. The term protein may also apply to amino acid polymers in which one or more amino acid residues is an artificial chemical analogue of a corresponding naturally occurring amino acid.

A “fragment of a protein,” as used herein, refers to a protein that is a portion of another protein. For example, fragments of proteins may comprise polypeptides obtained by digesting full-length protein isolated from cultured cells. In one embodiment, a protein fragment comprises at least about six amino acids. In another embodiment, the fragment comprises at least about ten amino acids. In yet another embodiment, the protein fragment comprises at least about sixteen amino acids.

As used herein, an “expression product” is a biomolecule, such as a protein, which is produced when a gene in an organism is expressed. An expression product may comprise post-translational modifications.

The term “protein expression” refers to the process by which a nucleic acid sequence undergoes successful transcription and translation such that detectable levels of the amino acid sequence or protein are expressed.

The terms “protein expression profile” or “protein expression signature” refer to a group of proteins expressed by a particular cell or tissue type (e.g., neuron, coronary artery endothelium, or disease tissue), wherein presence of the proteins taken together or the differential expression of such proteins, is indicative/predictive of a certain condition.

The term “antibody” means an immunoglobulin, whether natural or partially or wholly synthetically produced. All derivatives thereof that maintain specific binding ability are also included in the term. The term also covers any protein having a binding domain that is homologous or largely homologous to an immunoglobulin binding domain. An antibody may be monoclonal or polyclonal. The antibody may be a member of any immunoglobulin class, including any of the human classes: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE.

The term “antibody fragment” refers to any derivative of an antibody that is less than full-length. In one aspect, the antibody fragment retains at least a significant portion of the full-length antibody's specific binding ability, specifically, as a binding partner. Examples of antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, scFv, Fv, dsFv diabody, and Fd fragments. The antibody fragment may be produced by any means. For example, the antibody fragment may be enzymatically or chemically produced by fragmentation of an intact antibody or it may be recombinantly produced from a gene encoding the partial antibody sequence. Alternatively, the antibody fragment may be wholly or partially synthetically produced. The antibody fragment may comprise a single chain antibody fragment. In another embodiment, the fragment may comprise multiple chains that are linked together, for example, by disulfide linkages. The fragment may also comprise a multimolecular complex. A functional antibody fragment may typically comprise at least about 50 amino acids and more typically will comprise at least about 200 amino acids.

Determination of Gene Expression Profiles

The method used to identify and validate the present gene expression profiles indicative of whether a colon cancer patient will respond to treatment with irinotecan is described below. Other methods for identifying gene and/or protein expression profiles are known; any of these alternative methods also could be used. See, e.g., Chen et al., NEJM, 356 (1): 11-20 (2007); Lu et al., PLOS Med., 3 (12):e467 (2006); Golub et al., Science, 286:531-537 (1999).

The present method utilizes parallel testing in which, in one track, those genes which are over-/under-expressed as compared to normal (non-cancerous) tissue samples are identified, and, in a second track, those genes comprising chromosomal insertions or deletions as compared to normal samples are identified, from the same samples. These two tracks of analysis produce two sets of data. The data are analyzed using an algorithm which identifies the genes of the gene expression profile (i.e., those genes that are differentially expressed in cancer tissue). Positive and negative controls may be employed to normalize the results, including eliminating those genes and proteins that also are differentially expressed in normal tissues from the same patients, and confirming that the gene expression profile is unique to the cancer of interest.

In the present instance, as an initial step, biological samples were acquired from patients afflicted with colorectal cancer. Approximately five-hundred (500) tissue samples obtained from colorectal cancer patients were used, including tumor tissue and adjacent normal (undiseased) colon tissue. The tissue samples were obtained from patients suffering from various stages of colon cancer, and included those obtained from patients who have been treated with irinotecan. All of the patients were responders to irinotecan therapy. Clinical information associated with each sample, including treatment with irinotecan and the outcome of the treatment, was recorded in a database. Clinical information also includes information such as age, sex, medical history, treatment history, symptoms, family history, recurrence (yes/no), etc. Control samples, including samples of normal (non-cancerous) tissue also were acquired from the same patients. Samples of normal undiseased colon tissue from a set of healthy individuals were used as positive controls, and colon tumor samples from patients who were non-responders to irinotecan therapy were used as negative controls.

Gene expression profiles (GEPs) then were generated from the biological samples based on total RNA according to well-established methods. Briefly, a typical method involves isolating total RNA from the biological sample, amplifying the RNA, synthesizing cDNA, labeling the cDNA with a detectable label, hybridizing the cDNA with a genomic array, such as the Affymetrix U133 GeneChip®, and determining binding of the labeled cDNA with the genomic array by measuring the intensity of the signal from the detectable label bound to the array. See, e.g., the methods described in Lu, et al., Chen, et al. and Golub, et al., supra, and the references cited therein, which are incorporated herein by reference. The resulting expression data are input into a database.

MRNAs in the tissue samples can be analyzed using commercially available or customized probes or oligonucleotide arrays, such as cDNA or oligonucleotide arrays. The use of these arrays allows for the measurement of steady-state mRNA levels of thousands of genes simultaneously, thereby presenting a powerful tool for identifying effects such as the onset, arrest or modulation of uncontrolled cell proliferation. Hybridization and/or binding of the probes on the arrays to the nucleic acids of interest from the cells can be determined by detecting and/or measuring the location and intensity of the signal received from the labeled probe or used to detect a DNA/RNA sequence from the sample that hybridizes to a nucleic acid sequence at a known location on the microarray. The intensity of the signal is proportional to the quantity of cDNA or mRNA present in the sample tissue. Numerous arrays and techniques are available and useful. Methods for determining gene and/or protein expression in sample tissues are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,271,002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,122; U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,114; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,755; and in Wang et al., J. Clin. Oncol., 22 (9):1564-1671 (2004); Golub et al, (supra); and Schena et al., Science, 270:467-470 (1995); all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The gene analysis aspect utilized in the present method investigates gene expression as well as insertion/deletion data. As a first step, RNA was isolated from the tissue samples and labeled. Parallel processes were run on the sample to develop two sets of data: (1) over-/under-expression of genes based on mRNA levels; and (2) chromosomal insertion/deletion data. These two sets of data were then correlated by means of an algorithm. Over-/under-expression of the genes in each cancer tissue sample were compared to gene expression in the normal (non-cancerous) samples, and a subset of genes that were differentially expressed in the cancer tissue was identified. Preferably, levels of up- and down-regulation are distinguished based on fold changes of the intensity measurements of hybridized microarray probes. A difference of about 2.0 fold or greater is preferred for making such distinctions, or a p-value of less than about 0.05. That is, before a gene is said to be differentially expressed in diseased versus normal cells, the diseased cell is found to yield at least about 2 times greater or less intensity of expression than the normal cells. Generally, the greater the fold difference (or the lower the p-value), the more preferred is the gene for use as a diagnostic or prognostic tool. Genes selected for the gene signatures of the present invention have expression levels that result in the generation of a signal that is distinguishable from those of the normal or non-modulated genes by an amount that exceeds background using clinical laboratory instrumentation.

Statistical values can be used to confidently distinguish modulated from non-modulated genes and noise. Statistical tests can identify the genes most significantly differentially expressed between diverse groups of samples. The Student's t-test is an example of a robust statistical test that can be used to find significant differences between two groups. The lower the p-value, the more compelling the evidence that the gene is showing a difference between the different groups. Nevertheless, since microarrays allow measurement of more than one gene at a time, tens of thousands of statistical tests may be asked at one time. Because of this, it is unlikely to observe small p-values just by chance, and adjustments using a Sidak correction or similar step as well as a randomization/permutation experiment can be made. A p-value less than about 0.05 by the t-test is evidence that the expression level of the gene is significantly different. More compelling evidence is a p-value less then about 0.05 after the Sidak correction is factored in. For a large number of samples in each group, a p-value less than about 0.05 after the randomization/permutation test is the most compelling evidence of a significant difference.

Another parameter that can be used to select genes that generate a signal that is greater than that of the non-modulated gene or noise is the measurement of absolute signal difference. Preferably, the signal generated by the differentially expressed genes differs by at least about 20% from those of the normal or non-modulated gene (on an absolute basis). It is even more preferred that such genes produce expression patterns that are at least about 30% different than those of normal or non-modulated genes.

This differential expression analysis can be performed using commercially available arrays, for example, Affymetrix U133 GeneChip® arrays (Affymetrix, Inc.). These arrays have probe sets for the whole human genome immobilized on the chip, and can be used to determine up- and down-regulation of genes in test samples. Other substrates having affixed thereon human genomic DNA or probes capable of detecting expression products, such as those available from Affymetrix, Agilent Technologies, Inc. or Illumina, Inc., also may be used. Currently preferred gene microarrays for use in the present invention include Affymetrix U133 GeneChip® arrays and Agilent Technologies genomic cDNA microarrays. Instruments and reagents for performing gene expression analysis are commercially available. See, e.g., Affymetrix GeneChip® System. The expression data obtained from the analysis then is input into the database.

In the second arm of the present method, chromosomal insertion/deletion data for the genes of each sample as compared to samples of normal tissue was obtained. The insertion/deletion analysis was generated using an array-based comparative genomic hybridization (“CGH”). Array CGH measures copy-number variations at multiple loci simultaneously, providing an important tool for studying cancer and developmental disorders and for developing diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Microchips for performing array CGH are commercially available, e.g., from Agilent Technologies. The Agilent chip is a chromosomal array which shows the location of genes on the chromosomes and provides additional data for the gene signature. The insertion/deletion data from this testing is input into the database.

The analyses are carried out on the same samples from the same patients to generate parallel data. The same chips and sample preparation are used to reduce variability.

The expression of certain genes known as “reference genes” “control genes” or “housekeeping genes” also is determined, preferably at the same time, as a means of ensuring the veracity of the expression profile. Reference genes are genes that are consistently expressed in many tissue types, including cancerous and normal tissues, and thus are useful to normalize gene expression profiles. See, e.g., Silvia et al., BMC Cancer, 6:200 (2006); Lee et al., Genome Research, 12 (2):292-297 (2002); Zhang et al., BMC Mol. Biol., 6:4 (2005). Determining the expression of reference genes in parallel with the genes in the unique gene expression profile provides further assurance that the techniques used for determination of the gene expression profile are working properly. The expression data relating to the reference genes also is input into the database. In a currently preferred embodiment, the following genes are used as reference genes: ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and/or TRFC.

Data Correlation

The differential expression data and the insertion/deletion data in the database are correlated with the clinical outcomes information associated with each tissue sample also in the database by means of an algorithm to determine a gene expression profile for determining therapeutic efficacy of irinotecan, as well as late recurrence of disease and/or disease-related death associated with irinotecan therapy. Various algorithms are available which are useful for correlating the data and identifying the predictive gene signatures. For example, algorithms such as those identified in Xu et al., A Smooth Response Surface Algorithm For Constructing A Gene Regulatory Network, Physiol. Genomics 11:11-20 (2002), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, may be used for the practice of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Another method for identifying gene expression profiles is through the use of optimization algorithms such as the mean variance algorithm widely used in establishing stock portfolios. One such method is described in detail in the patent application US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0194734. Essentially, the method calls for the establishment of a set of inputs expression as measured by intensity) that will optimize the return (signal that is generated) one receives for using it while minimizing the variability of the return. The algorithm described in Irizarry et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 31 e15 (2003) also may be used. The currently preferred algorithm is the JMP Genomics algorithm available from JMP Software.

The process of selecting gene expression profiles also may include the application of heuristic rules. Such rules are formulated based on biology and an understanding of the technology used to produce clinical results, and are applied to output from the optimization method. For example, the mean variance method of gene signature identification can be applied to microarray data for a number of genes differentially expressed in subjects with colorectal cancer. Output from the method would be an optimized set of genes that could include some genes that are expressed in peripheral blood as well as in diseased tissue. If samples used in the testing method are obtained from peripheral blood and certain genes differentially expressed in instances of cancer could also be differentially expressed in peripheral blood, then a heuristic rule can be applied in which a portfolio is selected from the efficient frontier excluding those that are differentially expressed in peripheral blood. Of course, the rule can be applied prior to the formation of the efficient frontier by, for example, applying the rule during data pre-selection.

Other heuristic rules can be applied that are not necessarily related to the biology in question. For example, one can apply a rule that only a certain percentage of the portfolio can be represented by a particular gene or group of genes. Commercially available software such as the Wagner software readily accommodates these types of heuristics (Wagner Associates Mean-Variance Optimization Application). This can be useful, for example, when factors other than accuracy and precision have an impact on the desirability of including one or more genes.

As an example, the algorithm may be used for comparing gene expression profiles for various genes (or portfolios) to ascribe prognoses. The gene expression profiles of each of the genes comprising the portfolio are fixed in a medium such as a computer readable medium. This can take a number of forms. For example, a table can be established into which the range of signals (e.g., intensity measurements) indicative of disease is input. Actual patient data can then be compared to the values in the table to determine whether the patient samples are normal or diseased. In a more sophisticated embodiment, patterns of the expression signals (e.g., fluorescent intensity) are recorded digitally or graphically. The gene expression patterns from the gene portfolios used in conjunction with patient samples are then compared to the expression patterns. Pattern comparison software can then be used to determine whether the patient samples have a pattern indicative of recurrence of the disease. Of course, these comparisons can also be used to determine whether the patient is not likely to experience disease recurrence. The expression profiles of the samples are then compared to the portfolio of a control cell. If the sample expression patterns are consistent with the expression pattern for recurrence of a colorectal cancer then (in the absence of countervailing medical considerations) the patient is treated as one would treat a relapse patient. If the sample expression patterns are consistent with the expression pattern from the normal/control cell then the patient is diagnosed negative for colorectal cancer.

A method for analyzing the gene signatures of a patient to determine prognosis of cancer is through the use of a Cox hazard analysis program. The analysis may be conducted using S-Plus software (commercially available from Insightful Corporation). Using such methods, a gene expression profile is compared to that of a profile that confidently represents relapse (i.e., expression levels for the combination of genes in the profile is indicative of relapse). The Cox hazard model with the established threshold is used to compare the similarity of the two profiles (known relapse versus patient) and then determines whether the patient profile exceeds the threshold. If it does, then the patient is classified as one who will relapse and is accorded treatment such as adjuvant therapy. If the patient profile does not exceed the threshold then they are classified as a non-relapsing patient. Other analytical tools can also be used to answer the same question such as, linear discriminate analysis, logistic regression and neural network approaches. See, e.g., software available from JMP statistical software.

Numerous other well-known methods of pattern recognition are available. The following references provide some examples:

-   Weighted Voting: Golub, T R., Slonim, D K., Tamaya, P., Huard, C.,     Gaasenbeek, M., Mesirov, J P., Coller, H., Loh, L., Downing, J R.,     Caligiuri, M A., Bloomfield, C D., Lander, E S. Molecular     classification of cancer: class discovery and class prediction by     gene expression monitoring. Science 286:531-537, 1999. -   Support Vector Machines: Su, A I., Welsh, J B., Sapinoso, L M.,     Kern, S G., Dimitrov, P., Lapp, H., Schultz, P G., Powell, S M.,     Moskaluk, C A., Frierson, H F. Jr., Hampton, G M. Molecular     classification of human carcinomas by use of gene expression     signatures. Cancer Research 61:7388-93, 2001. Ramaswamy, S., Tamayo,     P., Rifkin, R., Mukherjee, S., Yeang, C H., Angelo, M., Ladd, C.,     Reich, M., Latulippe, E., Mesirov, J P., Poggio, T., Gerald, W.,     Loda, M., Lander, E S., Gould, T R. Multiclass cancer diagnosis     using tumor gene expression signatures Proceedings of the National     Academy of Sciences of the USA 98:15149-15154, 2001. -   K-nearest Neighbors: Ramaswamy, S., Tamayo, P., Rifkin, R.,     Mukherjee, S., Yeang, C H., Angelo, M., Ladd, C., Reich, M.,     Latulippe, E., Mesirov, J P., Poggio, T., Gerald, W., Loda, M.,     Lander, E S., Gould, T R. Multiclass cancer diagnosis using tumor     gene expression signatures Proceedings of the National Academy of     Sciences of the USA 98:15149-15154, 2001. -   Correlation Coefficients: van't Veer L J, Dai H, van de Vijver M J,     He Y D, Hart A A, Mao M, Peterse H L, van der Kooy K, Marton M J,     Witteveen A T, Schreiber G J, Kerkhoven R M, Roberts C, Linsley P S,     Bernards R, Friend S H. Gene expression profiling predicts clinical     outcome of breast cancer, Nature. 2002 Jan. 31; 415 (6871):530-6.

The gene expression analysis identifies a gene expression profile (GEP) unique to the cancer samples, that is, those genes which are differentially expressed by the cancer cells. This GEP then is validated, for example, using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), which may be carried out using commercially available instruments and reagents, such as those available from Applied Biosystems.

In the present instance, the results of the gene expression analysis showed that in colon cancer patients who were responsive to treatment with irinotecan, the following genes were up-regulated: ERBB2, GRB7, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD-68 and BAG1, and the following genes were down-regulated: Erk1 kinase, pospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1, compared with expression of these genes in the normal colon tissue samples from these patients, and from the negative control patients, i.e., the tissue samples from patients that had experienced a recurrence of their cancer after treatment with irinotecan. Reference genes ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TFRC all were up-regulated.

Determination of Protein Expression Profiles

Not all genes expressed by a cell are translated into proteins, therefore, once a GEP has been identified, it is desirable to ascertain whether proteins corresponding to some or all of the differentially expressed genes in the GEP also are differentially expressed by the same cells or tissue. Therefore, protein expression profiles (PEPs) are generated from the same cancer and control tissues used to identify the GEPs. PEPs also are used to validate the GEP in other colon cancer patients.

The preferred method for generating PEPs according to the present invention is by immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. In this method antibodies specific for the proteins in the PEP are used to interrogate tissue samples from colon cancer patients. Other methods for identifying PEPs are known, e.g. in situ hybridization (ISH) using protein-specific nucleic acid probes. See, e.g., Hofer et al., Clin. Can. Res., 11 (16):5722 (2005); Volm et al., Clin. Exp. Metas., 19 (5):385 (2002). Any of these alternative methods also could be used.

In the present instance, samples of colon tumor tissue and normal colon tissue were obtained from patients afflicted with colon cancer who had undergone successful treatment with irinotecan; these are the same samples used for identifying the GEP. The tissue samples were arrayed on tissue microarrays (TMAs) to enable simultaneous analysis. TMAs consist of substrates, such as glass slides, on which up to about 1000 separate tissue samples are assembled in array fashion to allow simultaneous histological analysis. The tissue samples may comprise tissue obtained from preserved biopsy samples, e.g., paraffin-embedded or frozen tissues. Techniques for making tissue microarrays are well-known in the art. See, e.g., Simon et al., BioTechniques, 36 (1):98-105 (2004); Kallioniemi et al, WO 99/44062; Kononen et al., Nat. Med., 4:844-847 (1998). In the present instance, a hollow needle was used to remove tissue cores as small as 0.6 mm in diameter from regions of interest in paraffin embedded tissues. The “regions of interest” are those that have been identified by a pathologist as containing the desired diseased or normal tissue. These tissue cores then were inserted in a recipient paraffin block in a precisely spaced array pattern. Sections from this block were cut using a microtome, mounted on a microscope slide and then analyzed by standard histological analysis. Each microarray block can be cut into approximately 100 to approximately 500 sections, which can be subjected to independent tests.

The TMAs were prepared using two tissue samples from each patient: one of colon tumor tissue and one of normal colon tissue. Control arrays also were prepared; in a currently preferred embodiment, the following control TMAs were used: an array containing normal colon tissue samples from healthy, cancer-free individuals; an array of “positive controls” containing tumor tissues from cancer patients afflicted with cancers other than colon cancer, e.g., breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, etc; and an array of “negative controls” containing tumor samples from colon cancer patients that had experienced recurrences of the cancer after treatment with irinotecan—that is, patients who were “non-responders” to the therapy.

Proteins in the tissue samples may be analyzed by interrogating the TMAs using protein-specific agents, such as antibodies or nucleic acid probes, such as aptamers. Antibodies are preferred for this purpose due to their specificity and availability. The antibodies may be monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, and/or various types of synthetic antibodies, including chimeric antibodies, or fragments thereof. Antibodies are commercially available from a number of sources (e.g., Abcam, Cell Signaling Technology, Santa Cruz Biotechnology), or may be generated using techniques well-known to those skilled in the art. The antibodies typically are equipped with detectable labels, such as enzymes, chromogens or quantum dots, that permit the antibodies to be detected. The antibodies may be conjugated or tagged directly with a detectable label, or indirectly with one member of a binding pair, of which the other member contains a detectable label. Detection systems for use with are described, for example, in the website of Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. Quantum dots are particularly useful as detectable labels. The use of quantum dots is described, for example, in the following references: Jaiswal et al., Nat. Biotechnol., 21:47-51 (2003); Chan et al., Curr. Opin. Biotechnol., 13:40-46 (2002); Chan et al., Science, 281:435-446 (1998).

The use of antibodies to identify proteins of interest in the cells of a tissue, referred to as immunohistochemistry (IHC), is well established. See, e.g., Simon et al., BioTechniques, 36 (1):98 (2004); Haedicke et al., BioTechniques, 35 (1):164 (2003), which are hereby incorporated by reference. The IHC assay can be automated using commercially available instruments, such as the Benchmark instruments available from Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.

In the present instance, the TMAs were contacted with antibodies specific for the proteins encoded by the genes identified in the gene expression study as being up- or down-regulated in colon cancer patients who were responders to therapy with irinotecan in order to determine expression of these proteins in each type of tissue. The results of the IHC assay showed that in colon cancer patients who were responsive to treatment with irinotecan, the following proteins were up-regulated: ERBB2, GRB7, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD-68 and BAG1, and the following proteins were down-regulated: Erk1 kinase, pospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1, compared with expression of these proteins in the normal colon tissue samples from these patients, and in the negative control samples, i.e., colon tumor samples from patients that had experienced a recurrence of their cancer after treatment with irinotecan (non-responders). Additionally, IHC analysis showed that a majority of these proteins were not up- or down-regulated in the positive control tissue samples. The reference proteins ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TFRC all were up-regulated.

Assays

The present invention further comprises methods and assays for determining whether a colon cancer patient is likely to respond to treatment with irinotecan, and/or to predict whether the cancer is likely to recur, or disease-related death. According to one aspect, a formatted IHC assay can be used for determining if a colon cancer tumor exhibits the present GPEP. The assays may be formulated into kits that include all or some of the materials needed to conduct the analysis, including reagents (antibodies, detectable labels, etc.) and instructions.

The assay method of the invention comprises contacting a tumor sample from a colon cancer patient with a group of antibodies specific for some or all of the genes or proteins in the present GPEP, and determining the occurrence of up- or down-regulation of these genes or proteins in the sample. The use of TMAs allows numerous samples, including control samples, to be assayed simultaneously.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises contacting a tumor sample from a colon cancer patient and control samples with a group of antibodies specific for some or all of the proteins in the present GPEP, and determining the occurrence of up- or down-regulation of these proteins. Up-regulation of some or all of the following proteins: ERBB2, GRB7, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68 and BAG1; and down-regulation of some or all of the following proteins: Erk1 kinase, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1, is indicative of the patient's responsiveness to irinotecan. Preferably, at least about four, preferably between about four and ten, and most preferably between about ten and sixteen (or more) antibodies are used in the present method.

The method preferably also includes detecting and/or quantitating control or “reference proteins”. Detecting and/or quantitating the reference proteins in the samples normalizes the results and thus provides further assurance that the assay is working properly. In a currently preferred embodiment, antibodies specific for one or more of the following reference proteins are included: ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and/or TRFC.

The present invention further comprises a kit containing reagents for conducting an IHC analysis of tissue samples or cells from colon cancer patients, including antibodies specific for at least four of the proteins in the GPEP and for any reference proteins. The antibodies are preferably tagged with means for detecting the binding of the antibodies to the proteins of interest, e.g., detectable labels. Preferred detectable labels include fluorescent compounds or quantum dots, however other types of detectable labels may be used. Detectable labels for antibodies are commercially available, e.g. from Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.

Immunohistochemical methods for detecting and quantitating protein expression in tissue samples are well known. Any method that permits the determination of expression of several different proteins can be used. See. e. g., Signoretti et al., “Her-2-neu Expression and Progression Toward Androgen Independence in Human Prostate Cancer,” J. Natl. Cancer Instit., 92 (23):1918-25 (2000); Gu et al., “Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) expression increases with high gleason score, advanced stage and bone metastasis in prostate cancer,” Oncogene, 19:1288-96 (2000). Such methods can be efficiently carried out using automated instruments designed for immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. Instruments for rapidly performing such assays are commercially available, e.g., from Ventana Molecular Discovery Systems or Lab Vision Corporation. Methods according to the present invention using such instruments are carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Protein-specific antibodies for use in such methods or assays are readily available or can be prepared using well-established techniques. Antibodies specific for the proteins in the GPEP disclosed herein can be obtained, for example, from Cell Signaling Technology, Inc., Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc. or Abcam.

The present invention is illustrated further by the following non-limiting Examples.

EXAMPLES

A series of prognostic factors were tested in order to validate the efficacy of the gene/protein expression profile (GPEP) of the present invention for predicting the therapeutic response of irinotecan therapy. The expression levels of these factors, consisting of the twenty-two (22) proteins in the present GPEP listed in Table 2 (which includes seventeen differentially expressed proteins and five reference proteins), was determined by an immunohistochemical methodology in biopsy tissue samples obtained from late-stage colon cancer patients whose treatment with irinotecan had been successful, as well as samples from patients whose treatment was unsuccessful, e.g., who had experienced late recurrence (LRec) or disease-related death (DRD) associated with the therapy. For purposes of selecting the patients for the study, irinotecan therapy was determined to have failed if a recurrence was present within three years of diagnosis.

According to the current prescribing information for CAMPTOSAR®, irinotecan currently is indicated for first line therapy of colon cancer in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin, or following initial 5-FU therapy in late stage colon cancer patients. The patients in the study had been treated using the combination therapy according to the prescribing information for CAMPTOSAR®.

Gene/Protein Expression Profile (GPEP):

In this study, formalin fixed paraffin embedded primary colon cancer specimens from 280 patients (median age 63 years) followed for a minimum of 120 months were evaluated for primary tumor size, histologic grade and Duke's status. These patients included only those who had been responsive to irinotecan therapy. No patients received adjuvant treatment prior to the first episode of disease recurrence. Using the techniques described above, a GPEP was generated, consisting of the following seventeen genes and encoded proteins: ERBB2, GRB7, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1, Erk1 kinase, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1, and five reference genes and proteins: ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TRFC.

Tissue microarrays were prepared using the colon adenocarinomas and normal (non-cancerous) colon tissue from patients described above having late stage cancers who were treated with irinotecan. TMAs also were prepared containing positive and negative control samples. The TMAs used in this study are described in Table A:

TABLE A Tissue Micro Arrays Normal Screening This array contained samples of normal (non- Array cancerous) colon tissue from 200 patients (2 samples per patient). Colon Treatment This array contained 280 patient samples Irinotecan obtained from the patients afflicted with late- stage colon adenocarcinoma who had been treated with CAMPTOSAR ® together with normal colon tissue samples from each patient. Cancer Screening This array contained 200 tumor samples for Survey Array cancers other than colon cancer, including (Positive control breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate array) cancer, ovarian cancer, salivary gland cancer, lung cancer and brain tumor. Colon Cancer This array contained samples of colon cancer Progression tissue from thirty patients who had progressed (Negative control to the next stage of cancer or experienced a array - TE30 array) recurrence of cancer after treatment with CAMPTOSAR ®.

The TMAs were constructed according to the following procedure:

Construction: An instrument was used for creating holes in a recipient paraffin block that are then filled with tissue core acquired from a selected donor block. These tissue cores were punched with a thin walled, sharpened borer. An X-Y precision guide allowed for the orderly placement of these tissue samples in an array format.

Presentation: TMA sections were cut at 4 microns and mounted on positively charged glass microslides. Individual elements are 0.6 mm in diameter, spaced 0.2 mm apart.

Elements: In addition to TMAs containing the colon cancer samples, screening and control arrays were prepared containing the tissue samples described in Table A.

Specificity: The TMAs were designed for use with specialty staining and immunohistochemical methods for gene expression screening purposes by using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies over a wide range of characterized tissue types.

Accompanying each array was an array locator map and spreadsheet containing patient diagnostic, histologic and demographic data for each element.

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining techniques were used for the visualization of tissue (cell) proteins present in the tissue samples on the TMAs. These techniques were based on the immunoreactivity of antibodies and the chemical properties of enzyme or enzyme complexes, which react with colorless substrate-chromogens to produce a colored end product. Initial immunoenzymatic stains utilized the direct method, which conjugated directly to an antibody with known antigenic specificity (primary antibody).

A modified labeled avidin-biotin technique was employed in which a biotinylated secondary antibody formed a complex with peroxidase-conjugated strepavidin molecules. Endogenous peroxidase activity was quenched by the addition of 3% hydrogen peroxide. The specimens then were incubate with the primary antibodies followed by sequential incubations with the biotinylated secondary link antibody (containing anti-rabbit or anti-mouse immunoglobulins) and peroidase labeled strepavidin. The primary antibody, secondary antibody, and avidin enzyme complex is then visualized utilizing a substrate-chromogen that produces a brown pigment at the antigen site that is visible by light microscopy. The antibodies utilized in this study were antibodies specific for the proteins in the present protein expression profile, i.e., ERBB2, GRB7, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1, Erk1 kinase, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1, and reference proteins ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TRFC. All antibodies were obtained from Cell Signaling Technology, Inc., and Abeam.

Automated IHC Staining Procedure:

-   -   1. Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) using 10 mM Citrate         buffer solution. pH 6.0, was performed as follows:         -   a. Deparaffinized and rehydrated sections were placed in a             slide staining rack.         -   b. The rack was placed in a microwaveable pressure cooker,             750 ml of 10 mM Citrate buffer pH 6.0 was added to cover the             slides.         -   c. The covered pressure cooker was placed in the microwave             on high power for 15 minutes.         -   d. The pressure cooker was removed from the microwave and             cooled until the pressure indicator drops and the cover             could be safely removed.         -   e. The slides were allowed to cool to room temperature (RT),             and IHC staining was carried out.     -   2. Slides were treated with 3% H₂0₂ for 10 min. at RT to quench         endogenous peroxidase activity.     -   3. Slides were gently rinsed with phosphate buffered saline         (PBS).     -   4. The primary antibodies were applied at the predetermined         dilution (according to Cell Signaling Technology's         specifications) for 30 min. at RT. Normal mouse or rabbit serum         1:750 dilution was applied to negative control slides.     -   5. Slides were gently rinsed with phosphate buffer saline (PBS).     -   6. Secondary biotinylated link antibodies (secondary antibodies:         biotinylated anti-chicken and anti-mouse immunoglobulins in         phosphate buffered saline (PBS), containing carrier protein and         1.5 mM sodium azide) were applied for 30 min. at RT.     -   7. Slides were rinsed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS).     -   8. The slides were treated with streptavidin-HRP (streptavidin         conjugated to horseradish peroxidase in PBS containing carrier         protein and anti-microbial agents from Ventana) for 30 min. at         room temperature.     -   9. Slides were rinsed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS).     -   10. The slides were treated with substrate/chromogen         (substrate-imidazole-HCl buffer pH 7.5 containing H₂O₂ and         anti-microbial agents; DAB-3,3′-diaminobenzidine in chromogen         solution from Ventana) for 10 min. at room temperature.     -   11. Slides were rinsed with distilled water.     -   12. Counterstain in Hematoxylin was applied for 1 min.     -   13. Slides were washed in running water for 2 min.     -   14. The slides were then dehydrated, cleared and the coverglass         was mount.

All primary antibodies were titrated to dilutions according to the manufacturer's specifications. Staining of the TE30 test array slides (described below) was performed both with and without epitope retrieval (HIER). The slides were screened by a pathologist to determine the optimal working dilution. Pretreatment with HIER, provided strong specific staining with little to no background. The above-described IHC procedure was carried out using a Benchmark instrument from Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.

Scoring Criteria:

Staining was scored by a pathologist on a 0-3+ scale, with 0=no staining, and trace being less than 1+ but greater than 0. The scoring procedures are described in Signoretti, et al., J. Nat. Cancer Inst., vol. 92 (23):1918 (December 2000) and Gu, et al., Oncogene, vol. 19, p. 1288 (2000). Grades of 1+ to 3+ represent increased intensity of staining with 3+ being strong, dark brown staining. Scoring criteria was also based on total percentage of staining 0=0%, 1=less than 25%, 2=25-50% and 3=greater than 50%. The percent positivity and the intensity of staining for both Nuclear and Cytoplasmic as well as sub-cellular components were analyzed. Both the intensity and percentage positive scores were multiplied to produce one number 0-9. 3+ staining was determined from known expression of the antigen from the positive controls.

Positive tissue controls were defined via standard Western Blot analysis. This experiment was performed to confirm the level of protein expression in each of the control tissues. Negative controls also were defined by the same methodology. The positive controls consisted of breast, prostate, bung, salivary gland, pancreas and ovarian adenocarcinomas and brain tumor tissue samples unrelated to the colon cancer patients who were the subjects of the study. Colon cancer tissue samples from patients who were non-responsive to irinotecan therapy (i.e., who experienced recurrence of the disease or death from the disease after treatment) were used as negative controls.

Positive expression also was evaluated using a xenograft array. SCID mice were injected with tumor cells derived from patients who were responsive to treatment with irinotecan, and the tumors were allowed to grow in the mice. Once the tumors were established, the mice were injected with 200 mg/kg of irinotecan, and the mice were monitored to observe responsiveness to the drug. As a result of treatment with irinotecan, the tumors formed in the SCID mice were reduced or eliminated. Prior to treatment with the drug, samples of the tumors were extracted from the mice and used to make a TMA. IHC assay of the TMA containing the mouse xenograft tumor tissue showed that the xenograft tumors have the same GPEP as that identified in the human patients who were responsive to irinotecan therapy.

All runs were grouped by antibody and tissue arrays which ensured that the runs were normalized, meaning that all of the tissue arrays were stained under the same conditions with the same antibody on the same run. The reproducibility was compared and validated.

Results:

Univariate analysis of GPEP profiles of the patient samples described above independently and accurately predicted response to irinotecan therapy (p<0.0001); late recurrence (LRec, p<0.0005); and disease-related death (DRD, p<0.0001). When stratified into GPEP negative, borderline positive and highly positive groups, patients with highly positive tumors had a relative risk (adjusted relative hazard) of irinotecan therapy response of 8.3 (range 2.1-32.4); LRec of 4.3 (range 1.7-11.0) and DRD of 11.0 (range 3.0-40.7). Tumor size and histologic grade did not predict irinotecan therapy response, LRec or DRD.

The results from this study demonstrate that in late stage colon cancer patients, GPEP positivity by immunohistochemistry accurately predicted irinotecan therapy response, late disease recurrence and disease related death independent of tumor size, grade and Duke's status. The test accurately detected ninety-two percent (92%) of non-responders to irinotecan therapy (less than 1.5% error rate or mis-classification). For determining irinotecan responsiveness, the test sensitivity rate was determined to be about ninety-six percent (96%), and the test specificity rate to be about ninety-eight percent (98%). “GPEP positivity” means that in the tumor samples from patients who were responders to irinotecan therapy, the following proteins were up-regulated: ERBB2, GRB7, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD-68 and BAG1, and the following genes and encoded proteins were down-regulated: Erk1 kinase, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1, compared with expression of these genes and proteins in normal colon tissue from these patients and the normal colon tissue and non-colon cancer tissues from other patients. Reference proteins ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TFRC were up-regulated in all tissues.

The results from this study are illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a graph showing the survival rates of colorectal cancer patients treated with irinotecan plotted against the presence of a GPEP of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, patients with tumors having a gene expression profile in which at least sixteen of the genes in the present GPEP were differentially expressed and had the longest survival rates after treatment with irinotecan. Patients whose gene expression profile showed that ten or more of the genes in the GPEP had the next longest survival rates. The survival rates of patients whose gene expression profiles indicated that four or fewer of these genes were differentially expressed had the lowest survival rates after irinotecan therapy.

The twenty genes noted in the legend to FIG. 1 include five reference proteins.

Validation Studies

Studies using additional colon cancer biopsy tissues (from patients other than those used in the study described above) were performed to further validate the utility of the GPEP of the present invention in predicting a patient's responsiveness to irinotecan therapy. In one such study, formalin fixed paraffin embedded primary colon cancer specimens from 220 patients followed for a minimum of 120 months were evaluated for primary tumor size, histologic grade, Duke's status and expression of the proteins in the present GPEP. None of these patients received adjuvant treatment prior to the first episode of disease recurrence. The study was carried out using the same IHC methodology as described in the preceding Example, and using the same negative and positive control arrays.

Univariate analysis of GPEP profiles of the patient samples described above accurately predicted response to irinotecan therapy (p<0.0001); late recurrence (LRec, p<0.0005); and disease-related death (DRD, p<0.0001). When stratified into GPEP negative, borderline positive and highly positive groups, patients with highly positive tumors had a relative risk (adjusted relative hazard) of irinotecan therapy response of 6.7 (range 2.1-22.4); LRec of 3.3 (range 1.7-9.0) and DRD of 7.0 (range 3.0-30.0).

The results from this study further validates that in late stage colon cancer patients, GPEP positivity accurately predicted irinotecan therapy response, late disease recurrence and disease related death independent of tumor size, grade and Duke's status. For determining irinotecan responsiveness, the test sensitivity rate was determined to be about ninety-six percent (96%), and the test specificity rate to be about ninety-eight percent (98%). 

1. An assay for determining if a patient is a responder to treatment with irinotecan comprising means for determining expression levels in a tumor cell or tumor tissue from the patient of at least about four genes selected from the group consisting of: ERBB2, GRB7, Erk1 kinase, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1, wherein the at least four genes comprise Erk1 kinase. JNK1 kinase, phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK-3beta.
 2. The assay of claim 1 further comprising means for detecting the expression level of at least one reference gene.
 3. The assay of claim 2 wherein the reference gene is selected from the group consisting of: ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TFRC.
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 11. The assay of claim 1 comprising means for determining the expression levels in the cell or tumor sample of at least about ten genes selected from the group consisting of ERBB2, GRB7, Erk1 kinase, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1.
 12. An assay for determining if a patient is a responder to treatment with irinotecan comprising means for determining the expression levels in a cell or tumor sample from the patient of the following genes: ERBB2, GRB7, Erk1 kinase, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1.
 13. The assay of claim 12 further comprising means for determining the expression levels of at least one reference gene.
 14. An assay for determining if a patient is a responder to treatment with irinotecan comprising means for determining the expression levels in a tumor cell or tumor tissue from the patient of at least about four proteins encoded by genes selected from the group consisting of: ERBB2, GRB7, Erk1 kinase, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1, wherein the at least four proteins are encoded by the genes Erk1 kinase, JNK1 kinase, phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK-3beta.
 15. The assay of claim 14 further comprising means for detecting the expression level of at least one reference protein.
 16. The assay of claim 15 wherein the reference protein is encoded by a gene selected from the group consisting of: ACTB, GAPD, GUSB, RPLP0 and TFRC.
 17. The assay of claim 14 comprising means for determining the expression levels in a cell or tumor sample from the patient of at least ten proteins encoded by genes selected from the group consisting of ERBB2, GRB7, Erk1 kinase, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1.
 18. The assay of claim 14 wherein the means for determining the expression levels comprise antibodies.
 19. An assay for determining if a patient is a responder to treatment with irinotecan comprising means for determining the expression levels in a cell or tumor sample from the patient of proteins encoded by the following genes: ERBB2, GRB7, Erk1 kinase, JNK1 kinase, BCL2, MK167, phospho-Akt, CD68, BAG1, phospho-GSK-3beta, MMP11, CTSL2, CCNB1, BIRC5, STK6, MRP14 and GSTM1. 